Apologise to PM, Tenom Umno tells Dr M
TENOM: The Tenom Umno division is requesting that certain parties, including former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, withdraw their allegations and apologise to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak on the issue of the RM2.6 billion funds.
Its chief Datuk Rubin Balang said the issue of the funds had been touted and triggered by various parties, especially Tun Mahathir, which had diminished the name and image of the Prime Minister and the country.
“We believe that the donation was really a contribution from Saudi Arabia as a sincere support to the leadership of the Prime Minister,” he told reporters after opening the Wanita Umno Tenom programme themed “Bersama Rakyat Dihatiku” at the sports complex here yesterday.
Rubin, who is also Kemabong assemblyman, said the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Adel AlJubeir, had confirmed yesterday that the RM2.6 billion funds were actually a sincere assistance from the Saudi Arabian government without expecting anything in return.
Therefore, he said the statement given by Adel Al-Jubeir has cleared up the issue and it no longer needs to be questioned.
“I also hope that all the parties, including Tun Mahathir, withdraw their allegations against the Prime Minister and apologise to him (Najib),” Rubin said.
Earlier when launching the programme, he said that Wanita Umno Tenom never hesitated to move together with the division leaders, including from the Youth and Puteri wings, in defence of the fate and future of the people, especially members of the party in this division.
Rubin added that the top leaders from the Women, Youth and Puteri wings continued the success of the Umno mission to bring development in the interest of people in this area.
“I hope the hospitality programme through sports held today will further strengthen the friendship and brotherhood among members and Umno leaders at all levels,” he said.
Rubin also hoped for more organised activities in the days to come which could provide more opportunities for the party members to interact with one another.
He also suggested for more sports activities and a cultural night to be held before the Umno division delegates meeting in order to foster closer family ties within Umno and highlight the talent and interests among Umno members, especially youths, and encourage them to participate actively in sports, art and culture.
“I believe the role played by the Tenom Wanita Umno movement under the leadership of its chief Datuk Rahmahjan Sulaiman Khan is very steady in strengthening the struggle of Umno and Barisan Nasional in this division for the future of the people, nation, state and this district,” Rubin said.